Selected quad for the lemma: heart_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
heart_n	according_a	holy_a	lord_n	2,390	5	3.4909	3	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A88943	Church-government and church-covenant discussed, in an answer of the elders of the severall churches in New-England to two and thirty questions, sent over to them by divers ministers in England, to declare their judgments therein. Together with an apologie of the said elders in New-England for church-covenant, sent over in answer to Master Bernard in the yeare 1639. As also in an answer to nine positions about church-government. And now published for the satisfaction of all who desire resolution in those points.	Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Mather, Richard, 1596-1669. Apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant.; Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660.; Davenport, John, 1597-1670.	1643 (1643)	Wing M1270; Thomason E106_8; Thomason E106_9; ESTC R18913	104,756	140

another_o though_o now_o and_o then_o as_o need_n require_v church_n send_v to_o other_o church_n for_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n mean_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o verity_n 18._o and_o to_o reform_v any_o that_o may_v err_v thanks_n be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v sundry_a first_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o psal_n 19_o 7_o 8._o second_o the_o ministry_n appoint_v by_o christ_n viz._n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 1._o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o &c_n &c_n and_o vers_fw-la 8._o and_o in_o both_o these_o we_o have_v frequent_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o require_v church_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n in_o the_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o &_o 2._o 13._o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 3._o &_o phil._n 1._o 27._o &_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o his_o promise_n to_o lead_v his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o holy_a agreement_n therein_o jer._n 32._o 29._o isa_n 11_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n zeph._n 3._o 9_o joh._n 16._o 13._o with_o many_o motive_n and_o rule_n from_o scripture_n for_o continue_v in_o the_o say_a truth_n and_o love_n now_o faith_n make_v use_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o submit_v to_o these_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o so_o both_o these_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n be_v profitable_a mean_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o that_o end_n aforesaid_a heb._n 4._o 2._o as_o these_o church_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n for_o these_o year_n since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o country_n and_o any_o other_o mean_v sanctify_v of_o god_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n we_o hope_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a with_o thankful_a heart_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v as_o for_o a_o platform_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o you_o mention_v as_o one_o mean_v hereunto_o if_o thereby_o you_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n we_o know_v nothing_o but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a in_o some_o case_n for_o any_o particular_a person_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n to_o do_v it_o or_o any_o church_n or_o a●l_o the_o church_n in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n to_o compile_v and_o set_v forth_o such_o a_o platform_n the_o practice_n of_o those_o church_n who_o confession_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o book_n call_v the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n as_o also_o of_o master_n robinson_n at_o leiden_fw-mi and_o other_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o other_o part_n in_o the_o low-countries_n who_o have_v publish_v such_o platform_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o condemn_v or_o disallow_v neither_o count_v we_o it_o unlawful_a or_o inexpedient_a for_o any_o church_n or_o church_n or_o person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o country_n upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v of_o a_o platform_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o authority_n upon_o other_o or_o ourselves_o as_o a_o bind_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n must_v believe_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o platform_n without_o add_v alter_v or_o omit_v than_o we_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o such_o platform_n be_v lawful_a or_o expedient_a for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o do_v in_o any_o particular_a swerve_v from_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n then_o the_o impose_v of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o it_o than_o they_o may_v seem_v needless_a in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a which_o reason_n against_o such_o platform_n make_v nothing_o against_o sermon_n or_o preach_a though_o sermon_n must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o preach_v be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o needless_a which_o we_o can_v say_v of_o such_o platform_n beside_o as_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o snare_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o attend_v more_o to_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o imposer_n then_o to_o the_o examine_v thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o their_o faith_n may_v by_o this_o mean_n stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n or_o will_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o if_o man_n have_v dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n which_o thing_n ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o &_o 2._o 1._o ver_fw-la christian_n have_v liberty_n from_o god_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a act._n 17._o 11._o joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o but_o the_o foresay_a impose_v of_o platform_n and_o confession_n compile_v by_o man_n do_v seem_v to_o abridge_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o mean_n of_o unity_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o dangerous_a hindrance_n of_o some_o verity_n and_o degree_n of_o truth_n as_o bind_v man_n to_o rest_n in_o their_o former_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n without_o liberty_n to_o better_v their_o judgement_n in_o those_o point_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o any_o further_a light_n which_o god_n may_v give_v to_o his_o best_a servant_n and_o most_o discern_a beyond_o what_o they_o see_v at_o first_o and_o therefore_o we_o doubt_v such_o impose_v platform_n be_v not_o lawful_a or_o at_o least_o wise_a not_o expedient_a the_o consociation_n of_o church_n into_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a as_o namely_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o one_o church_n but_o common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o likewise_o when_o a_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o end_v any_o matter_n that_o concern_v only_o themselves_o than_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o neighbour_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 2._o the_o ground_n and_o use_v of_o class_n and_o synod_n with_o the_o limitation_n therein_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v summary_o lay_v down_o by_o doctor_n ames_n medul_n theol._n l_o 1._o c._n 39_o sect._n 27._o unto_o who_o we_o do_v whole_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o when_o you_o speak_v of_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o counsel_n of_o a_o class_n we_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o restrain_v the_o particular_a church_n as_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v to_o give_v the_o class_n a_o undue_a power_n and_o more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n as_o be_v also_o a_o abridgement_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n whether_o more_o or_o less_o weighty_a among_o themselves_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a without_o such_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o class_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o q._n 14._o sect._n 3_o &_o 4._o of_o that_o answer_n and_o master_n parker_n testify_v that_o in_o genevah_n and_o in_o the_o low-countries_n where_o they_o have_v some_o use_n of_o class_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o their_o particular_a congregation_n be_v absque_fw-la potestate_fw-la omni_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la grandtoribus_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o excommunicatione_n the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o without_o power_n in_o the_o more_o weighty_a matter_n as_o in_o excommunication_n polit._n eccles_n li._n 2._o c._n 36._o sect._n 11._o p._n 310._o and_o master_n baine_n show_v the_o same_o say_v they_o have_v power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o for_o great_a edification_n voluntary_o confederate_a not_o to_o use_v or_o exercise_v their_o power_n but_o with_o mutual_a communion_n one_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o diocese_n trial_o q._n 1._o p._n 21._o and_o a_o little_a after_o geneva_n make_v his_o consociation_n not_o as_o if_o the_o prime_a church_n be_v imperfect_a and_o to_o make_v one_o church_n by_o this_o union_n but_o because_o though_o they_o be_v entire_a church_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n yet_o they_o need_v support_v in_o exercise_v of_o it_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o say_v before_o in_o q._n 14_o viz._n that_o all_o church_n have_v right_a of_o government_n within_o themselves_o but_o some_o have_v need_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o because_o they_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n

we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act._n 4_o 19_o and_o 5._o 29._o jeroboam_n make_v priest_n of_o the_o low_a of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o ordain_v a_o feast_n in_o the_o fifteen_o day_n of_o the_o eigth_n month_n in_o the_o month_n which_o he_o have_v devise_v of_o his_o ●w●e_a heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o levite_n leave_v their_o suburb_n and_o their_o posession_n and_o come_v to_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o his_o son_n have_v cast_v they_o off_o from_o execute_v the_o priest_n office_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o after_o they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o set_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n 1_o king_n 12._o 31_o 32_o 33._o with_o 2_o chron._n 11._o 14._o 16._o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a ground_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o this_o second_o proposition_n mention_n be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o and_o we_o hope_v you_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n neither_o though_o we_o be_v afraid_a that_o many_o christian_n when_o it_o come_v to_o practice_n do_v sinful_o pollute_v themselves_o by_o partake_v in_o the_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n in_o the_o prayer_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o ministry_n remain_v in_o sundry_a of_o those_o assembly_n who_o it_o will_v be_v your_o part_n whilst_o you_o live_v among_o they_o faithful_o and_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o corruption_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v as_o well_o in_o this_o particular_a of_o church_n matter_n and_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o we_o wish_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n that_o ourselves_o when_o time_n be_v have_v be_v more_o watchful_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n than_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n lie_v not_o our_o ignorance_n to_o our_o charge_n the_o three_o proposition_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n 1._o by_o precept_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v mat._n 28._o 20._o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n mat._n 6._o 33._o to_o yield_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o sanctuary_n 2_o chr._n 30._o 8._o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o please_v ourselves_o to_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v 2._o by_o example_n for_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o rest_v seek_v her_o belove_a until_o she_o find_v he_o in_o the_o full_a manner_n cant._n 1._o 7_o 8._o and_o 3._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o david_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o heavy_a lamentation_n when_o he_o want_v the_o full_a fruition_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o long_n and_o prayer_n to_o be_v restore_v thereto_o psal_n 63._o and_o psal_n 42._o and_o 84._o although_o he_o enjoy_v abiathar_n the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o ephod_n with_o he_o and_o likewise_o gad_n the_o prophet_n 1_o sam._n 23._o 6_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n 1_o sam._n 22._o 5._o when_o good_a ezra_n in_o his_o journey_n from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n view_v the_o people_n at_o the_o river_n ahava_n find_v none_o of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n there_o afore_o he_o will_v go_v any_o further_a he_o send_v unto_o iddo_n a_o the_o place_n ca●iphia_n for_o minister_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n ezra_n 8._o 15._o 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o find_v by_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o booth_n and_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n in_o the_o seven_o month_n they_o present_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o the_o appoint_a season_n when_o the_o like_a have_v not_o be_v do_v in_o israel_n from_o the_o day_n o●_n joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n unto_o that_o day_n neh._n 8._o 14._o etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o though_o ●ee_n have_v no_o need_n of_o sacrament_n to_o be_v to_o he_o any_o scale_n of_o remission_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n yet_o in_o conscience_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n mat._n 3._o 15_o and_o for_o our_o example_n do_v both_o observe_v the_o passover_n and_o likewise_o be_v baptise_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o his_o disciple_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n all_o which_o example_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n do_v show_v we_o how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v from_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v in_o the_o voluntary_a want_n of_o any_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o god._n 3._o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v needful_a and_o very_a profitable_a in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v to_o think_v of_o any_o of_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v and_o therefore_o to_o content_v ourselves_o to_o be_v without_o they_o be_v to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o do_v appoint_v they_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o wise_a then_o god_n 4._o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o spiritual_a w●nts_n be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o have_v continual_a need_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o supply_v what_o be_v want_v in_o we_o for_o correct_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o for_o our_o continuance_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n he_o be_v a_o proud_a man_n and_o know_v not_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o any_o measure_n who_o think_v he_o may_v well_o be_v without_o any_o spiritual_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a ground_n we_o hold_v i●_n not_o lawful_a nor_o safe_a for_o any_o christian_n that_o be_v free_a to_o continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n where_o he_o can_v enjoy_v all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o hereupon_o we_o do_v exhort_v you_o love_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o of_o you_o nor_o of_o any_o other_o who_o your_o example_n may_v embolden_v thereunto_o for_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o you_o and_o upon_o all_o christian_n by_o th●se_a and_o such_o like_a ground_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o neither_o you_o nor_o other_o do_v live_v in_o the_o voluntary_a want_n of_o any_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o either_o ●et_v they_o up_o and_o observe_v they_o in_o the_o place_n where_o you_o be_v or_o else_o if_o you_o be_v free_a to_o remove_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o to_o some_o place_n where_o they_o may_v be_v have_v and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o two_o rather_o this_o latter_a for_o sometime_o i●_n israel_n sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n in_o the_o land_n they_o shall_v sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o ●o_o say_v they_o shall_v we_o sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o will_v they_o not_o stone_n we_o it_o be_v better_a therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o do_v it_o there_o exo._n 8._o 25._o 26_o 27._o hos_fw-la 2._o 14._o mat._n 10._o 23._o as_o for_o that_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o that_o if_o any_o obj_fw-la ordinance_n of_o goa_n be_v want_v it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v without_o sin_n live_v in_o the_o want_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o superior_n provide_v not_o for_o they_o the_o answer_n hereuntois_fw-fr that_o indeed_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n may_v more_o peaceable_o and_o quiet_o be_v observe_v where_o the_o commandment_n and_o countenance_n of_o magistrate_n be_v afford_v for_o than_o be_v fullfil_v the_o say_n that_o be_v write_v king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n esa_n 49._o 23._o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n when_o god_n that_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o his_o hand_n prov._n 21._o 1._o do_v incline_v they_o to_o favour_n and_o further_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v even_o

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est_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la aetatem_fw-la neque_fw-la doctrina_fw-la catechetica_fw-la perfectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicè_fw-la edant_fw-la etc._n etc._n polit._n ecles_n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o perficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o 4._o but_o how_o long_a child_n shall_v be_v count_v under_o age_n and_o whether_o orphan_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v with_o their_o guardian_n which_o be_v your_o six_o quaery_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v your_o judgement_n therein_o as_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hitherto_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o search_v into_o those_o question_n only_o this_o we_o think_v that_o one_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o all_o whereby_o to_o determine_v how_o long_o they_o be_v under_o age_n but_o according_a as_o god_n give_v experience_n and_o maturity_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a which_o he_o give_v soon_o 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how_o approvable_a the_o man_n may_v be_v and_o what_o discipline_n it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o shall_v we_o in_o such_o general_a word_n as_o be_v there_o express_v promise_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v at_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o our_o word_n we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v bind_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n of_o papist_n or_o arminian_n or_o familist_n or_o anabaptist_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o something_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o discipline_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a and_o yet_o we_o pray_v you_o hearty_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o conceive_v of_o we_o in_o this_o passage_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o make_v any_o such_o comparison_n as_o if_o yourselves_o be_v not_o approve_v in_o our_o conscience_n far_o above_o the_o best_a 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practice_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o do_v and_o not_o any_o other_o or_o else_o if_o we_o be_v swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n in_o any_o particular_a as_o god_n know_v we_o be_v but_o weak_a man_n and_o far_o from_o dream_v of_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n god_n will_v by_o you_o send_v in_o more_o light_n unto_o we_o then_o yet_o we_o see_v and_o make_v you_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n for_o perfect_a what_o be_v here_o begin_v according_a to_o his_o will_n for_o strengthen_v what_o be_v weak_a and_o reform_v what_o may_v be_v find_v to_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o as_o we_o be_v desirous_a that_o you_o may_v join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o now_o walk_v which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o willing_a to_o receive_v light_n from_o you_o and_o to_o redress_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v we_o whatsoever_o by_o you_o or_o any_o other_o he_o may_v discover_v to_o we_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o which_o cause_n among_o other_o we_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v that_o he_o may_v send_v you_o hither_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o if_o you_o be_v here_o there_o will_v be_v such_o agreement_n between_o you_o and_o we_o that_o either_o you_o will_v approve_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o practice_v or_o that_o we_o shall_v approve_v of_o what_o you_o may_v show_v we_o to_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o such_o a_o question_n whether_o we_o may_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o yet_o be_v accept_v as_o a_o sister-church_n but_o rather_o of_o blessing_n the_o lord_n when_o that_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o you_o and_o we_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n i_o will_v turn_v unto_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n that_o they_o may_v all_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o we_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o gal._n 5._o 10._o phil._n 3._o 15._o this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o posit_n 1._o &_o 2._o send_v unto_o you_o 32._o the_o last_o year_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_a for_o church-covenant_n or_o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_n resolution_n in_o this_o point_n london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n for_o benjamin_n allen._n 1643._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n 1639._o jer_n 50._o 5._o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v although_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v in_o part_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n return_v from_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o year_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o place_n to_o that_o time_n only_o but_o may_v extend_v it_o further_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a return_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v convert_v from_o pagan_a antichristian_a babylonish_n or_o jewish_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n or_o from_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o self-righteousnesse_n and_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o as_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o scripture_n be_v never_o full_o accomplish_v at_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n and_o namely_o this_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n shall_v return_v both_o together_o for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n return_v not_o at_o all_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o literal_o concern_v the_o jew_n be_v type_n and_o figure_n signify_v the_o like_a thing_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o respect_n sincere_a convert_n be_v call_v jew_n rome_n 2._o 29._o and_o israelites_n gal._n 6._o 16._o joh._n 1._o 47._o and_o our_o sacrament_n be_v make_v antitype_n of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o rome_n be_v call_v babylon_n rev._n 17._o 5._o and_o papist_n be_v call_v gentile_n rev._n 11._o 2._o and_o therefore_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n may_v well_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n of_o god_n people_n to_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n a_o type_n of_o the_o return_n of_o christian_n from_o romish_a slavery_n to_o the_o true_a zion_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v add_v further_o that_o this_o place_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o private_a or_o personal_a conversion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a christian_a but_o also_o further_o of_o the_o open_a and_o joint_a call_n of_o a_o company_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o that_o their_o say_n shall_v not_o be_v let_v i_o join_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o note_v the_o join_n of_o a_o company_n together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n concern_v which_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v first_o brief_o to_o show_v how_o diverse_o covenant_n be_v take_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o import_v general_o any_o firm_a appointment_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o promise_n

must_v have_v in_o it_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o visible_a believer_n ephes_n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n so_o the_o form_n be_v a_o unite_n or_o combine_v or_o knit_v of_o those_o saint_n together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n by_o the_o band_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n some_o union_n or_o band_n there_o must_v be_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o church_n even_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v nor_o stone_n and_o timber_n a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v now_o that_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n first_o by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o deut._n 29._o 1_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 10._o that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plain_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o 1_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o answer_n covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n than_o a_o congregationall_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o point_n 3._o though_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o prove_v that_o when_o we_o look_v at_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o promiscuous_a take_n in_o of_o all_o comer_n without_o distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a for_o first_o when_o god_n take_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n of_o some_o from_o other_o second_o this_o generation_n be_v general_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n within_o a_o while_n after_o for_o they_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n &_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num_fw-la 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o out_o live_v joshua_n josh_n 24_o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o consider_v of_o sundry_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o for_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mar._n 8._o 17_o 18._o when_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a or_o natural_a person_n this_o people_n deut._n 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v 2_o into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n already_o before_o this_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n answer_n with_o god_n on_o mount_n sinai_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o than_o they_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o bec●me_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n exod._n 19_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 8._o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v his_o people_n before_o that_o yet_o that_o also_o be_v by_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o god_n take_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n yet_o separate_v ishmael_n from_o isaac_n and_o es●●_n from_o jacob_n that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v rest_v in_o the_o house_n of_o jacob._n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v now_o establish_v they_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o because_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o abraham_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v break_v that_o covenant_n by_o their_o idolatry_n there_o ezek._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o hore●_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v also_o break_v by_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n ezek_n 20._o 13_o 16._o for_o which_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a the_o lord_n consume_v that_o generation_n that_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o therefore_o now_o when_o their_o posterity_n and_o child_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v in_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n their_o father_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o both_o father_n first_o and_o child_n afterward_o become_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o this_o generation_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n their_o covenant_n make_v before_o between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o circumcision_n josh_n 5._o 3._o 7._o they_o being_n not_o circumcise_a before_o but_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o 3_o not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concern_v watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o as_o be_v answer_n show_v before_o in_o the_o description_n thereof_o for_o watchfulness_n and_o duty_n of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v but_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n be_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o that_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o when_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o judgement_n they_o promise_v these_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v of_o god_n leu._n 19_o 17._o deut._n 29_o 8._o the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_n 7._o 11_o 12._o yea_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o then_o present_a but_o child_n afterward_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o proselyte_n that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o like_o as_o

have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n v_o 3._o beside_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o grant_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o this_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n v_o 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o it_o the_o one_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o other_o second_o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n three_o that_o among_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v they_o member_n this_o be_v one_o viz._n the_o take_a hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n v_o 6._o so_o that_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o present_v not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o when_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o join_v in_o covenant_n before_o but_o may_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n believe_v in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n object_n be_v all_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v not_o so_o but_o over_o and_o above_o that_o here_o be_v also_o mean_v their_o open_a answer_n profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o open_a bind_v of_o themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o god_n require_v of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o distinct_o take_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o three_o or_o four_o particular_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o ezek_n 16._o 8._o deut._n 29._o 10._o etc._n etc._n second_o this_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a not_o only_o a_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n but_o also_o reciprocal_o on_o their_o part_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o god_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o promise_v nothing_o back_o again_o to_o he_o nor_o do_v god_n bind_v himself_o therein_o and_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v mutual_a on_o both_o part_n as_o these_o scripture_n declare_v gen._n 17._o 1._o exod._n 197._o 8._o deut._n 5._o 27._o &_o 26._o 16_o 17._o hos_fw-la 2._o 23._o &_o zach._n 13._o 9_o three_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n or_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17._o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n when_o a_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o duty_n also_o on_o man_n he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o take_v one_o part_n and_o leave_v another_o four_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o part_n and_o to_o promise_v in_o a_o private_a way_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n on_o man_n part_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o must_v do_v it_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o church_n else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v have_v no_o warrant_n to_o have_v admit_v such_o into_o their_o fellowship_n if_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v not_o be_v visible_o profess_v exod._n 12._o 43._o 48_o 2_o chron._n 23._o 19_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a when_o these_o stranger_n do_v manifest_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n they_o manifest_v and_o profess_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n both_o that_o they_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o require_v if_o any_o shall_v have_v claim_v church-fellowship_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o promise_n but_o will_v not_o bind_v himself_o to_o any_o duty_n of_o evangelicall_n obedience_n this_o have_v be_v a_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o half_n a_o take_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o in_o seem_v and_o pretence_n and_o a_o leave_v of_o another_o but_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o will_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10._o 8._o and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n shall_v refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o be_v there_o require_v to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o believe_a in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profession_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o likewise_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profess_v of_o such_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n and_o that_o be_v the_o join_n in_o covenant_n which_o we_o stand_v for_o before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n even_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o those_o scripture_n which_o show_v 3_o that_o man_n become_v member_n by_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o be_v join_v to_o they_o act._n 2._o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_o 9_o 26._o if_o man_n become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v add_v or_o join_v then_o join_v in_o covenant_n or_o profess_v of_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n foremention_v and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o but_o all_o the_o doubt_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v concern_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n but_o that_o may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o this_o reason_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n will_v appear_v by_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n and_o that_o may_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n ensue_v when_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o be_v mean_v 1._o but_o that_o god_n do_v convert_v they_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o convert_n of_o they_o be_v the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v all_o for_o first_o saul_n be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n answer_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o first_o receive_v for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o assay_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o they_o till_o they_o be_v better_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o barnabas_n act._n 9_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o those_o stranger_n isa_n 56._o as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v lament_v it_o with_o grief_n that_o they_o be_v not_o join_v as_o member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o lord_n have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n say_v they_o ver_fw-la 3._o the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o second_o those_o that_o be_v join_v be_v believer_n before_o they_o join_v for_o it_o be_v say_v divers_a be_v

17._o that_o offence_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o heal_v etc._n etc._n polit._n eccles_n lib._n 3_o cap._n 16._o §_o 4._o pag._n 171_o 172._o much_o more_o he_o have_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o that_o place_n allege_v sundry_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n of_o reform_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v determine_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o church_n but_o by_o this_o way_n of_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o other_o that_o have_v live_v among_o they_o may_v have_v be_v eye-witness_n that_o this_o be_v their_o usual_a practice_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n if_o church_n 11._o must_v be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n do_v not_o this_o doctrine_n blot_v out_o all_o those_o congregation_n out_o of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o church_n for_o what_o ever_o covenant_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o other_o part_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o english_a have_v none_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o covenant_n in_o many_o of_o those_o congregation_n ans●_n be_v more_o implicit_a and_o not_o so_o plain_a as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o in_o their_o material_n or_o in_o want_n of_o explicit_a combine_v of_o pure_a matter_n or_o many_o of_o their_o way_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o defend_v yet_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o with_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n lib_n 3._o cap._n 16._o §_o 1._o pag._n 167._o non_fw-mi abo_v ea_fw-la realis_fw-la &_o substantialis_fw-la quanquam_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la par●rat_fw-la implicita_fw-la coitio_fw-la in_fw-la foedus_fw-la eaque_fw-la voluntaria_fw-la professio_fw-la fidei_fw-la substantialis_fw-la quâ_fw-la deo_fw-la gratia_fw-la essentiam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la idque_fw-la visibilis_fw-la hacusque_fw-la sartam_fw-la tectam_fw-la in_o angliâ_fw-la conservavit_fw-la that_o be_v there_o want_v not_o that_o real_a and_o substantial_a come_n together_o or_o agree_v in_o covenant_n though_o more_o implicate_v then_o be_v meet_v and_o that_o substantial_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o england_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v that_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v utter_o without_o a_o covenant_n be_v these_o first_o because_o there_o be_v many_o christian_a church_n in_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o within_o a_o while_n after_o as_o master_n fox_n show_v at_o large_a act._n &_o mon._n lib._n 2._o beginning_n pag_n 137._o where_o he_o report_v out_o of_o gildas_n that_o england_n receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o christ_n suffer_v and_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n be_v send_v of_o philip_n the_o apostie_a from_o france_n to_o england_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o and_o remain_v in_o england_n all_o his_o time_n and_o so_o he_o with_o his_o fellow_n lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n among_o the_o britain_n people_n and_o other_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n come_v afterward_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o increase_v it_o also_o the_o say_a master_n fox_n report_v out_o of_o tertullian_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o many_o nation_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n into_o britain_n yea_o into_o the_o wild_a place_n of_o britain_n which_o the_o roman_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o and_o allege_v also_o out_o of_o ni●●phorus_n that_o simon_n zelotes_n do_v spread_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o west_n ocean_n and_o bring_v the_o same_o into_o the_o isle_n of_o britain_n and_o sundry_a other_o proof_n he_o there_o have_v for_o the_o same_o point_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n it_o be_v like_a that_o the_o english_a church_n be_v then_o constitute_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n because_o that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o constitute_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n asore_n christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n before_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o christian_a congregation_n in_o england_n be_v in_o those_o time_n combine_v by_o covenant_n than_o eternity_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o interposition_n of_o many_o corruption_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o after_o time_n that_o can_v disannul_v the_o same_o except_o when_o man_n wilful_o break_v covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n through_o obstinacy_n which_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o they_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o and_o consequent_o the_o covenant_n remain_v which_o have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o church_n to_o this_o day_n though_o the_o mixture_n of_o manifold_a corruption_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n more_o implicit_a than_o be_v meet_v second_o because_o there_o want_v no_o good_a record_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o selden_n history_n of_o tithe_n to_o prove_v that_o in_o former_a time_n in_o england_n it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n and_o oblation_n where_o themselves_o please_v now_o this_o pay_v of_o tithe_n be_v account_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n or_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o be_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o &_o to_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o as_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n be_v also_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n and_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n ●●_o be_v not_o the_o precinct_n of_o parish_n that_o do_v limit_v man_n in_o those_o day_n but_o their_o own_o choice_n three_o those_o question_n and_o answer_v minister_v at_o baptism_n speak_v of_o before_o viz._n do●st_v thou_o renounce_v i_o do_v renounce_v do_v thou_o believe_v i_o do_v believe_v do_v thou_o promise_v i_o do_v promise_n as_o they_o be_v use_v in_o other_o place_n so_o be_v they_o also_o in_o england_n and_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n though_o not_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o sundry_a corruption_n now_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o have_v make_v personal_a confession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v at_o their_o baptism_n by_o their_o parent_n which_o course_n indeed_o afterward_o do_v grow_v into_o a_o sacrament_n of_o confirmation_n but_o that_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o a_o good_a order_n if_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v not_o bring_v in_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a profession_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o proclamation_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a prince_n do_v but_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o do_v not_o tolerate_v within_o his_o dominion_n any_o open_a idolatry_n or_o the_o open_a worship_n of_o false_a god_n by_o baptize_v person_n but_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o likewise_o when_o he_o give_v free_a liberty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o countenance_n also_o and_o encouragement_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v willing_o bend_v thereunto_o ezra_n 1._o 1._o 3._o &_o 7._o 13._o and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n of_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o freeness_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church_n communion_n because_o one_o duty_n can_v oppose_v nor_o contradict_v another_o and_o suppose_v that_o this_o course_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_n of_o some_o to_o come_v in_o for_o member_n who_o be_v unfit_a in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o other_o who_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n desire_v it_o when_o the_o israelite_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o go_v a_o mix_a multitude_n with_o they_o many_o go_n with_o they_o that_o be_v not_o israelites_n indeed_o exod._n 12._o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o mordecay_n and_o hesther_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o favour_n and_o respect_n est_fw-la 8._o 17._o and_o so_o join_v to_o they_o not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n nor_o of_o any_o sincere_a heart_n towards_o god_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o favour_n or_o ●eare_z of_o man_n yet_o this_o force_a or_o sein_v join_v of_o some_o can_v not_o hinder_v those_o that_o be_v israelites_n indeed_o from_o be_v israelite_n nor_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v no_o jew_n no_o church-member_n and_o the_o